UNDISCLOSED SECRETS (original book)

2.

Anastasia was a 25-year-old, beautiful girl. She lived in Chicago with her brother and father. Her mother died when she was young, which made her brother become over-protective of her. Her brother, Eros, was five years older than her and that fact alone made him protective and possessive about his sister.

She began working at a Chicago-based cosmetics company named FRIENDS. Her brother did approach her about working for their entertainment agency, which was owned by her family. But she was aware of how controlling he had always been towards her. Hence, wanting to learn as well as be independent, she decided to go for an interview with this company.

It was that day when she met a certain bunny boy named John Williams. When the girls emerged from the boss's room with either tears in their eyes or wrath on their faces, she felt pretty apprehensive. She couldn't help but wonder why they were turned down because those girls were dressed like models in contrast to her.

They also had quite impressive physiques. She wasn't inherently ugly, but she also wasn't that elegant girl. She had worn white sneakers that day instead of those beautiful heels because they were simple and comfortable for her. She was aware that she would not get hired, which just made her wonder if she would have to work with her brother or what!?

However, John could tell from the girl's worried expression that she wasn't like the other girls who had shown up for the interview. Therefore, he tried to reassure her with some kind and composed words, which was helpful. And she was hired. Since then, she developed feelings for the kind man, who was quite different from her boss.

She discovered that Austin, John, and Jake were childhood friends the day after she joined. But they were all complete opposites in terms of personality. 

Though Jake and Austin were of the same age, John was twenty-seven, just a year younger than them. However, they were quite mature even when they were in their late twenties and that was the reason why they handled the company pretty well.

Returning to the present, Ana examined her appearance and grinned, feeling confident in her decision. She paired her black Gucci loafers with a sky-blue shirt and a navy pantsuit. After applying face powder and lip tint, she tied a pony and grabbed a purse.

As she continued to stare at the reflection of her pretty face, she mumbled to herself, "I hate Austin and his moody personality. I feel like he is always on his period which makes him a very unpredictable person. He is so bipolar. Wait! He is a quadripolar person - if that's even a word."

Sighing, she put an end to her internal monologue. There wasn't a day when she wouldn't talk to herself, which was her habit. But she had to stop and eat her breakfast because otherwise, Austin would really fire her. When it came to carrying out his CEO responsibilities, he couldn't be trusted.

She shut the door behind her as she left the room and went downstairs for breakfast.

Eros cast a troubled gaze in the direction of the kitchen wall clock. He couldn't help but ask, tapping his foot under the table anxiously, "Dad, where's marshmallow? Why isn't she ready? She'll be late for work."

"She will be here at any minute." His father spoke in an assuring voice.

The two men's attention was caught by the squeaking sound of shoes coming from the stairway. They were focused on the girl, who was coming down with the purse in her hand and her eyes fixated on her cell phone in another hand.

"Marshmallow? Keep your phone down and watch the steps, baby," Eros said with concern laced in his voice as his brows furrowed at the carelessness of his sister. 

"Just a second, Big Bear," Ana responded as she continued pouring all her attention on her phone.

Her eyes were riveted to her phone, which caused her to lose her balance and skip a stair. She was about to fall over until her brother raced forward and caught her in his arms. She looked down and murmured hesitantly, "I'm sorry, big bear."